Insight Vacations' first global brand ambassador, celebrity Lisa Ray, has wooed Australian travel agents while promoting the company’s revamped Gold luxury programme.
New for Insight’s 2015 Europe, Britain, Eastern Mediterranean & Morocco brochure is four new European Gold itineraries featuring all-inclusive options for evening dining, excursions and Signature experiences.
“It’s not about going to destinations anymore, guests want authenticity and to immerse themselves in the destination,” Insight Vacations, managing director, Joost Timmer said.
In a bid to offer guests a more authentic experience, Timmer said Insight introduced the “freestyle dining” to the aforementioned programmes as well as on six Gold India, Bhutan and Nepal journeys, allowing passengers to choose to dine at local eateries instead of pre-arranged options.
The all-inclusive journeys also encompasses internal flights and rail journeys at one price.
“They don’t need to be regularly digging into their wallets and can instead focus on these diverse and culturally rich destinations,” Timmer said.
Meanwhile Bollywood actress and TV personality, Lisa Ray said she was “qualified” to take on the role of global ambassador for Insight’s gold programme as her own perceptions of group travel required a work-over.
“To me there are travellers in the world and tourists – and never the twain shall meet,” Ray said in Sydney yesterday.
“I had to test out the product.”
Following trips to Italy and India with Insight, Ray said she was “convinced” and a “lot is to be said for a seamless experience” when travelling to tourist hot spots.
Describing India as an “assault on your senses,” Ray said the “local fixer” aka Insight’s local guide was an invaluable source of knowledge and assistance.
“India is rapidly changing, the idea of ‘doing’ India is unrealistic,” Ray said, referring to the benefits of group travel.
